You can watch a great overview of the book of Ezra here.

This book opens around 50 years after Nebuchadnezzar took over Jerusalem and carried the Jews away to hold them captive. Eventually, Babylon was overthrown by Persia. In these chapters, the king of Persia, Cyrus, decides to loosen the leash a little bit on the exiles and allow them to return home to Jerusalem to rebuild the Temple.

I love the part where he gives back all their Temple items (1:10) that Nebuchadnezzar took when he ransacked the Temple. Valuable, holy items.

When has God allowed something to be taken away from you? 

When’s a time that he’s allowed that to be restored or returned? Maybe it’s a relationship, a job, a title, a feeling or personal belongings. Don’t allow discouragement to take over you during traumatic events! Look for the examples of God’s protection, care and mercy.

-Carly